Areas of Research

Materials Theory

Computer Simulation of Solids

Elasticity

Thermodynamics of Solids

Diffusion

Defects

Profile

Dr. Rickman's research interests include the development of computer simulation methodologies for describing fluids and solids, determination of the elastic properties of defects, and the kinetics of phase transformations.

Dr. Rickman joined Lehigh University in 1993 after postdoctoral appointments at the University of Michigan and Argonne National Laboratory. He holds a joint appointment in the departments of physics and of materials science and engineering, and has received a Class of '61 professorship. Dr. Rickman has received several honors including the Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation and the Chambers Junior Professorship and the Culler Prize (Miami University). He is a member of several honor societies including Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Xi, as well as several professional organizations including the Materials Research Society, the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society (Chemistry and Physics of Materials Committee), and the American Ceramics Society.